Georgia Hosts South Carolina in Nationally Televised SEC Opener

Georgia (4-2-2, 0-0-0 SEC) vs. South Carolina (3-0-4, 0-0-0 SEC)
Date: Thursday, Sept. 19
Time: 6 p.m. EDT
Location: Athens, Ga.
Site: Turner Soccer Complex (1,682)

MEDIA INFORMATION
Stream: ESPNU (Mike Watts, PxP / Jill Loyden, Analyst)
Live Stats: GeorgiaDogs.com
X: @UGASoccer
Instagram: @UGASoccer

Social Media: For complete information on Georgia soccer, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGASoccer on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

INSIDE THE SERIES
Overall: Georgia leads 16-13-6
In Athens: Georgia leads 10-4-0
In Columbia: South Carolina leads 6-4-5
Neutral: South Carolina leads 3-2-1
Last Meeting: South Carolina – W, 4-0 (Oct. 22, 2023)
Current Streak: L1
GF / GA: 40 / 42

QUICK KICKS
Commencing Conference Competition with Carolina
Georgia, ranked 19th in the Top Drawer Soccer rankings and 37th in the initial NCAA RPI rankings, opens its 30th season of Southeastern Conference action with a home matchup against rival South Carolina. This is the 36th meeting between the programs, the second-most of any Georgia opponent, with the Bulldogs leading 10-4 all-time at home. Georgia holds a 13-12-4 record in SEC openers, following last season's 1-1 tie at Alabama; coincidentally, this is the seventh time Georgia has faced South Carolina in its conference opener, more than any other school.

The Bulldogs are looking to avenge last season's 4-0 road loss against the Gamecocks, the worst defeat of the Keidane McAlpine era. Aside from last year's tough loss, the series has been quite tight, with the Gamecocks holding a slim 42-40 scoring margin through 35 meetings. Prior to 2023, seven of the eight previous matchups resulted in a tie or one-goal victory for either side. The Bulldogs are looking for their first win over the Gamecocks since a 1-0 win to kick off the 2020-21 season in Athens.

Dominant Closer
Georgia wrapped up a difficult non-conference schedule with a 4-1 win over Washington State last Sunday, boosted by a career-high two goals from graduate midfielder Dasia Torbert, her first scores in two seasons. Both of Torbert's goals were set up by assists from redshirt sophomore midfielder Summer Denigan, setting her new career best total. Washington native Aly Akers opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a goal off Maddy Pirrello's first assist as a Bulldog, while graduate forward Margie Detrizio tacked on a goal against her former team with a service from sophomore forward Jocelyn Chinea. While junior keeper Jordan Brown only tallied two saves, the Bulldogs' defense only allowed seven shots (three on frame) and two corner kicks.

Protecting Their Turf
With Sunday's win, Georgia extended its home unbeaten streak to 10 straight, dating back to last season's win over Vanderbilt. Furthermore, the Bulldogs have earned a result in 19 of their last 20 matches at Turner Soccer Complex. The Dawgs' current streak is the third-longest in program history, trailing the previous runs of 13 (1998-99) and 11 (1997-98).

Dynamic Detrizio
Graduate midfielder Margie Detrizio has provided a boon to the Georgia offense after transferring this offseason from Washington State. Detrizio leads the team in all offensive categories, including a team-best six goals, already matching the leading total turned in by three Bulldogs last season. With her goal against her former team Sunday, the Chandler, Arizona native became the 13th player in program history to score in three-consecutive matches - the first since Dani Murguia in 2022. Detrizio also ranks third in the SEC in shot accuracy and fifth in scoring.

Nation's Strongest Slate
Throughout his early tenure in Athens, Keidane McAlpine has made it a point to challenge his team with a difficult non-conference schedule. Last season, matches against UCLA, Clemson, and UCF helped Georgia finish No. 7 in the NCAA RPI and earn a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament. This year's schedule is no different with the slate currently ranking as the toughest nationally, with South Carolina just behind in second.

In 2023, the Bulldogs were the only Power 5 school to play a team from each of the other four leagues. This season, they are one of five with the distinction, joining Texas, Iowa, Michigan, and Baylor. The Bulldogs and Hawkeyes are the only two P4 institutions to face each of the other Power conferences, as well as take on a remaining Pac-12 school (Georgia - Washington State, Iowa - Oregon State).

Dawg Bites

Georgia head coach Keidane McAlpine has faced South Carolina four times in his career, with his first coming as head coach of Birmingham-Southern in 2002. In the matchup, McAlpine took on his sister, Kanika, who started for the Gamecocks at left back.
Thursday's match marks Georgia's first appearance of the season on national television. In the McAlpine era, Georgia is 5-2-4 in national appearances and unbeaten (4-0-4) in its last eight.
Assistant coach Rade Tanaskovic is away from the team as he serves on staff for the United States at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia. In his absence, director of recruiting and player development Sammy Towne has been elevated to assistant coach.
Against one of the nation's strongest slates, Jordan Brown leads the SEC with 45 saves and ranks first in saves per game (5.63), over two more than Texas' Mia Justus at 4.14.

Up Next
Georgia continues SEC play with its first road conference match at Vanderbilt on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. on SEC Network+. Last season, the Bulldogs held on for a 2-1 victory over the Commodores, their first in the series since 2014.

SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Promotion: Thursday's match is Fútbol Fiesta at the Turner Soccer Complex. The first 500 spectators will receive a free T-shirt at halftime.
Free Admission: All matches at Turner Soccer Complex are free. No tickets are required for admission.
Parking: Due to construction at the Turner Soccer Complex, parking is first-come, first-serve and carpooling is encouraged. For overflow crowds, a shuttle will carry fans from the parking lot at the Shops of South Athens on S. Milledge Drive, located next to Waffle House. The shuttle will run from 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Entrance: Spectators will only be able to enter the Turner Soccer Complex on the first base side of Jack Turner Stadium. Gates will open one hour prior to kickoff.
Clear Bags: The UGA Clear Bag policy will be in effect for all home matches.
Prohibited Items: Umbrellas and outside noise makers are not permitted at Turner Soccer Complex.
Sustainability: Turner Soccer Complex is on a journey to become a zero-waste facility for the 2024 season.
Concessions: Concessions will be available via cashless/contactless payment.
Merchandise: The UGA Bookstore will be selling merchandise on site.

Georgia Hosts South Carolina in Nationally Televised SEC Opener

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Players Mentioned

Aly Akers

Jordan Brown

Jocelyn Chinea

Summer Denigan

Margie Detrizio

Maddy Pirrello

Dasia Torbert